Five Eccleshill Road Runners were out in the blue and White tonight, on what turned out to be a beautiful sunny, a little breezy, but perfect evening for a mid-week challenge, and a challenge it was! Not for the faint-hearted, this once popular local race is a little under subscribed these days. Hosted by Otley AC, registration/number collection takes place at Otley RUFC/Cricket Club where facilities are more than adequate both for runners and spectators alike. Runners have a 10 minute walk to the start where they head out along Pool Road, taking a left over the bridge at the end and then left again towards Leathley. The now ‘not so new’ route famously misses out some of the curves on the main road and allows more space away from the houses. The climbs take in a fabulous view over the Wharfe Valley before the descent for a welcome back at the cricket club for prize giving and a barbeque with a Yorkshire Dales backdrop. Finishers are rewarded with a lucky dip goodie bag and a bottle of Saltaire Blonde. Leading the team home was Marc Steele in 1:29:11, followed by John Turner 1:30:05, Jackie Bywater 1:37:53, Sarah Rawlings 1:41:38 & Laura Hammond 1:51:10 (2nd FV35 earning a prize!) Really well done Team, finishing a tough race with smiles!
